Genetic Variability among Nut Yield Traits and Selection in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

A study was conducted on eight nut traits within three generically broad-based populations of cashew to determine the yield attributes that could be employee for selection of nigh yielding and good quality cashew materials. The analyses indicated appreciable valuation for the genotypes studied -with nut count and its weight per tree contributing most towards the total divergence. The heritability and the genetic advance estimates showed clearly that total nut yield u eight per tree can be improved through individual tree selection. Also the computed correlation coefficient for the traits indicated that selections based on nut weight per tree would be effective as a selection criterion for both quantitative and qualitative yield characters. Kernel and shell weights, the two main economic components of cashew nut. were found to be closely correlated with an approximate ratio 1:2.